Lions Gate Home Entertainment has acquired the home video distribution rights to the groundbreaking 1980’s “dramedy” — Moonlighting. Starring a then-unknown Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, Moonlighting was one of the highest rated shows on television during its run on ABC from 1985-89. The announcement was made by Steve Beeks, President of Lions Gate Entertainment.
Lions Gate Home Entertainment will bring the 6-Disc set, with original episodes from Seasons 1 and 2, to DVD in May.
The recipient of six Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards during its impressive run, Moonlighting‘s importance lies in its ability to successfully fuse the elements of two distinct genres — comedy and drama — into what became known as the “dramedy.” The show’s incredible innovativeness was recognized when it was nominated, for the first time in the history of the Directors Guild of America, for both Best Comedy and Best Drama.
Launching Willis’ career, the upcoming Hollywood superstar was honored with the 1987 Golden Globe for Best Performance By An Actor In A TV-Series — Comedy/Musical and the 1987 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series for his portrayal of the fast-talking private eye, David Addison. As high-fashion model turned private eye Maddie Hayes, Shepherd won two Golden Globes For Best Performance By An Actress In A TV-Series – Comedy /Musical.
“‘Moonlighting’ was one of the most popular shows on television during its run and there is an extensive fan base who have been anxiously awaiting its arrival on DVD,” Said Beeks. “That time has finally arrived and Lions Gate is extremely excited to add this innovative and groundbreaking show to our ever-growing library of TV on DVD product. It is shows like ‘Moonlighting’ that will continue to keep the category booming for years to come.”
Throughout its 65 episodes, the show welcomed an incredible array of regular and special guests including: Whoopi Goldberg, Orson Welles, Imogene Coco, Eva Marie Saint, Demi Moore, Virginia Madsen, Ray Charles, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Cheryl Tiegs and New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, Also renowned for its outstanding musical composition, art direction, cinematography and costumes, the show won numerous awards in each of these areas including multiple Emmy’s.
